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SANFORD, FLA. -- Prosecutors in Florida can argue in opening statements that George Zimmerman
profiled Trayvon Martin based on factors such as age and clothing before he shot the unarmed black
teenager, but they cannot say he was profiled based on race, a judge ruled yesterday.

Defense attorneys had asked the judge to prohibit prosecutors from using a series of words in
opening statements that they deemed inflammatory. Those words included “profiled,” “vigilante,” “
wannabe cop,” and that Zimmerman had confronted Martin.

The judge said all of those statements may be used, provided that race is not discussed if the
issue of profiling is brought up.